Brentford Football Club proved its commitment to internal promotion with the hiring of Keith Andrews as their new head coach. This stellar decision follows the exit of Thomas Frank. This change represents the Fish’s new dedication to growing their own talent. It continues the tradition of putting people in charge without any prior management experience. Andrews, previously Brentford’s set-piece coach, takes on the top role on a three-year contract, marking another chapter in the club’s innovative approach to management.
The decision comes as Brentford continues to capitalize on their recent notoriety for set-piece mastery. All of which made their haul of six long throw-in goals last season even more remarkable – nobody else in the entire Premier League managed any. By comparison, the other 19 clubs only scored a total of two goals. This remarkable statistic highlights the club’s strategic focus on maximizing every potential scoring opportunity, including set-pieces, which have become a cornerstone of their playstyle.
Andrews’ earned his promotion too, thanks largely to a successful debut partnership with the world famous throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark. Together, they fine-tuned the team’s unorthodox style of throw-ins. This partnership has put Brentford at the top of the pantheon for set-piece coaches. They have become trailblazers in this new niche market of football. Ten years ago, the club was the first in England to employ a specialist set-piece coach. Ever since, they’ve been going all-in on this plan, and as a result have seen a dramatic turnaround on their game-day performance.
Brentford owner Matthew Benham has been a key figure in defining the club’s identity and direction both on and off the pitch over the last decade. His commitment to the use of a data-driven approach to decision-making has made all the difference. The club has artfully found its way through the thicket of modern football. All five previous managers who had led Brentford to promotion had been appointed from within the club. What this signals is a deep-rooted philosophy that prioritizes comfort and predictability.
Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, expressed confidence in Andrews’ ability to lead the team. “Keith knows the club inside out and has been a key part of our success,” he stated. “We believe he is ready for this challenge.”
Andrews will be tasked with furthering Brentford’s positive attacking philosophy. In games, we would expect him to emphasize defending aggressively, along with rapid transitions from defense to attack, alongside his broad set-piece wizardry. Esteban, a dynamic playmaker for this Brentford squad, stressed the value of taking an aggressive approach to games.
“It’s about being aggressive, making sure you’re close to those second balls, crowding areas where you know the ball is going to go, and then from there, try to get people in the box and try to get crosses, try to create situations as soon as you can.” – Esteban
Brentford’s prowess in scoring from corner kicks and throw-ins has notoriety as one of the signature features of their playing style. Last season, they absolutely crushed set-pieces on both sides of the ball. They started their games with remarkable speed, scoring from the first touch in four consecutive Premier League matches. Amazingly, three of those objectives were met within the first minute!
Their last set-piece coach, Gianni Vio, was instrumental in creating and honing their strategy. He since moved on to Super League rivals, Leeds United and then joined some comrades in Tottenham Hotspur. Vio volunteers in the same capacity for the USA national team. His exit creates an immediate test for Andrews. Beyond that, it presents him with an opportunity to make Brentford more than just a one-trick pony on the set-piece front.
Marc Orti Esteban praised Brentford’s ground-breaking work in this new field of football coaching.
“Brentford were the first club that was really invested in this,” – Marc Orti Esteban
With Andrews at the helm, Brentford aims to build upon its successful methods and continue its rise within English football. Their appointment speaks to their desire to plant seeds to grow talent from within. Beyond that, it highlights their conviction in an innovative play style that’s taken the league by storm.
Ben Ryan, Brentford’s director of elite performance, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the club will continue to innovate its training and strategic methodologies under Andrews’ leadership.
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